I went for the first time this past year and when I tell you, I was amazed, I mean it like I had a low expectations because it was Roger Williams zoo. I got there and I started walking, and I truly was mesmerized by all the pumpkins and the lighting and just the detail that was put into this. A great place to visit during the Halloween season! read more

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - Festivals Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Great fall/Halloween time experience if you're in the area. I happened to be walking through Roger Williams when I remembered it was happening and decided to check it out. So glad I did, so many different themes. Posting more pictures would do it a disservice. read more

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The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular this year was INDEED spectacular. We were blown away yet again. Since tickets are no longer available on site & must be purchased in advance, we decided to go for the earliest time slot (6 PM) to hopefully avoid the crowds. It worked, thanks to the time of day, but also thanks to obvious crowd control & management orchestrated by the Roger Williams team. It seemed like there were hundreds & hundreds of volunteers directing traffic, showing people where to park, answering questions, pointing people in the right direction... Very impressive. It was the smoothest operation I've seen them manage. When we arrived, it was still light out. Either it was too early for some of the animals to be tucked away, or the zoo extended their bed times specifically for our enjoyment, but there were still some animals out! Imagine our excitement when we laid eyes on three elephants, one giraffe, and one bison. We were delighted. The theme this year was trivia, & we weren't sure what to expect. But we soon found out how it worked. At the beginning of each section, there was a trivia question. The answers to choose from were subsequently on the next few pumpkins. The answer to the question was in upside-down script on the original question sign. It was fun! My only wish was that the answers to the questions were given at the END of each section, not the beginning. We resorted switching off who would read the question out loud to the other, so as to not ruin the answer by a wandering eye. When we finished the route, it was bittersweet. It was so much fun but we didn't want the excitement to be over ... & that's when we heard a volunteer say that the zip ride was open. Zip ride? What's that? We followed the direction of the volunteer to a kiosk off the beaten path, somewhat in the dark. The kiosk worker said "yes, the zip ride." We basically looked at each other like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ & said let's do it, not knowing what we were getting ourselves into. We followed volunteers through a reptile exhibit, past the zoo offices, down a foggy path, around a fence, around a gazebo ... Giggling because it felt like we were being punked. Finally we arrived at the zip ride. We stepped up to the platform & our weight was checked by two cheeky volunteers who had no problem joking around with us. Then we sat on a two person contraption, facing what seemed like the wrong direction, & we were strapped in. Then, we were off. FAST! Nothing could've prepared us for how fast we zipped up & over the lake, BACKWARDS! We were cackling! The view of the lake, zoo, & pumpkin exhibit was spectacular. But then we were suddenly zipping forwards & down, seemingly even faster, towards the platform. My partner joked, "what if it doesn't stop," & then immediately regretted saying that because it seemed like we actually weren't going to stop. We even sped past the platform & I was about to scream when we jolted to a stop. I was laughing so hard, I almost cried. This inconspicuous little "zip ride" that they were advertising (a little poorly, I might add) turned out to be a huge thrill. To Roger Williams Zoo - Advertise the zip ride a bit more! Add some lights to the kiosk & the signage so that it's more prominent & seems more legit. Anyways, that's all for now. Thank you Roger Williams Park Zoo for the entertainment, year after year. read more

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I'm visiting from Cali and got my mom and I tickets for this thinking it might be a bit underwhelming and for children but wow it was really enchanting and I went thru very slowly taking it in. Very amazing art exhibit for adults or for a date as well. 10/10!! read more

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This was my first time attending the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. It was amazing! If you have the chance to check it out atleast once I advice you to do so. My friends and I truly enjoyed it and it was so well worth it. It was about an hour. And it must be thousand pumpkins! It's incredible how crafty and creative they are . I honestly think this is better than Christmas lights! Pictures just don't do it! Everything is well organized, love how they have music and families are singing! It's just great! read more

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - Festivals Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Definitely worth a visit if you never been! As you walk through the path you'll see lots of tricky trivia while strolling past thousands of creatively carved pumpkins throughout the zoo! I had lots of fun looking at all the different pumpkin cravings and as well as learning cool facts! If you plan on going keep in mind ALL tickets are timed and only available online and must be purchased in advance, wear warm and comfy sneakers, and parking is free on first come first serve. They do offer prime parking for $15 which leaves you right in front of the entrance. Overall staff was friendly, zoo was clean, and I had a really fun time! I would come back and do it again next year. read more

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The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns to Roger Williams Park Zoo on Friday, September 27th. This year, I signed up to be a part of the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular volunteer team by filling out a form on their website: https://www.rwpzoo.org/jols-volunteer/. Volunteer Coordinators sent information days prior to my shift, such as parking information, an event waiver, and breaks information. On the day I volunteered, Melissa and Andrea, Volunteer Coordinators, went over important information, did a walk through of the trail, and assigned us to our positions. We were also given a reflector vest, a volunteer badge, and a name tag. I was positioned by the exit and thanked everyone for coming. From the orientation, I felt really prepared for all the questions guests had. They did a really good job in giving us the pertinent information. The 4:45pm-10:30pm shift went really quickly. As a thank you, volunteers received 2 complimentary Jack-o-Lantern tickets at the end of their shift. I used my complimentary Jack-o-Lantern tickets on Wednesday, October 30th. I arrived to the zoo around 6:30pm and there were quite a lot of traffic getting in. I saw some cars getting off the line and parking by the tennis courts. I did the same thing and that was such a good decision. It was close to the zoo entrance, just needed to walk down the hill, and it was very easy to leave. There are a variety of snacks and beverages for purchase at the zoo and the best part is that you can bring it with you on the trail. I heard many people talk about a pumpkin beer and I had to try it as well. It was Narragansett Gourd Reaper with a cinnamon sugar rim. The beer was a medium-bodied, malt-forward English style ale brewed with real pumpkin and authentic Fall spices. Fall in a cup! This year's theme was trivia. Before each section of the pumpkin trail, there were questions about various topics like pop culture and history. The carved pumpkins were really well done. I had a wonderful time taking pictures and walking through the trail answering the trivia questions. I do wish the answers were at the end of each section instead of in the beginning with the question. I am so glad I volunteered at this year's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and was able to walk through the trail another day. This will definitely be a repeated event I go to every year! read more

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I visited on a Saturday evening at 9:30, hoping for less crowds/children but it was a major fail. They oversell these tickets. If you go on the weekends is crowded and overall not enjoyable. Traffic going in is awful. I took alternate route to get here because Elmwood Ave and park entrance was backed up for miles. Parking is crap. People are literally on top of eachother walking .1 mph. It's hard to see over peoples heads if you're shorter. Expect to pay $22 per person. Overall its overpriced and overrated. If I ever return it will likely be during the week as it's just an inconvenience to attend on the weekends. read more

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I thought this was a lovely experience! Parking was fine, although we parked quite a bit away from the entrance. There is availability, especially later in the evening. The art was truly fantastic and I desperately want to know how the artists do it! This was definitely a unique evening, great for a fun fall night! I'm not sure it was worth the price we paid for tickets, as we found ourselves getting through relatively quickly (1/2 hour-45 mins) but I also know the zoo needs this for their events and maintenance! Overall I'd say worth checking out! read more

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10 out of 10 experience here!! My friends and I came here on a Monday night and we had the best time! Honestly, so worth that $19. I think it might be pricier on the weekends, but if you come during a weekday, parking is pretty easy as there is a pretty large lot, not many lines, easy to grab good pictures, and such a good way to enjoy the artistry they put on here! I honestly was not expecting much, but I was so blown away by how professional and beautiful a lot of the carvings were. So many of them were seriously awe inspiring. The theme for this year was different countries around the world, and it was so fun to walk through the pretty long walkway going through carvings of cultural icons throughout different countries. They even had music in the background matching some of the regions. We spent about an hour there, taking pictures, admiring the carvings, and just having a good time. They also have food and drinks, including spiked chocolate, beers, hotdogs, turkey legs at the entrance. My friend caught the peppermint spiked hot chocolate, and said she probably wouldn't need it next time, but even without those this place is a must visit for the fall season. The only annoying thing would probably be the website. You must buy tickets online on their website in advance, and the website looks very outdated, a bit difficult to navigate. We weren't able to purchase tickets on her phone, so make sure to do it on the computer before you come! read more

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I look forward to this event every year! A true staple in my fall activity schedule. We love finding all the hidden pumpkins and skeletons along the trail, and the music accompanying the theme. This is a great event for the entire family and one that you cannot miss. Drinks, snacks and toys are also for sale along the trail (including adult beverages) which is always a great addition to the night. I suggest getting there early to avoid the busy parking! read more

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Overpriced for what you get. Luckily I had 4 free tickets. Had to park miles away and walk to the entrance. Once inside was shoulder to shoulder to other people. People pushing past my small child. People literally stopped blocking the pathing taking pictures and taking. People standing at the sides blocking the view of the pumpkins along the walk. 6.00 waters really. read more

Spectacular indeed! Every year the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, R.I. is the home to the Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular. And Spectacular it is! There must have been over a thousand pumpkins carved for this display. All just fleeting works of art. Viewing is done after dark. There are so many pumpkins, they are displayed in theme sections. And once the season is over, which lasts about a month, I was told these masterpieces are given to the animals for their delight. Adding onto the festivities is a section of the expansive park, about 3/4 mile away, featuring a huge food truck party; I believe I saw at least a 15 food setups! There was a sign that listed about three dozen which attend on a rotating schedule. Well done Providence, all the pumpkin carvers and community sponsors. Well done. read more

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Every year, when Fall comes and Halloween approaches, Roger Williams Park presents the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. I have been several times through the years and it is always a fun thing to do....Every year the theme is different but they always have a section at the end of celebrities that had passed in the last year...very nice and moving. Passion for Pumpkins from Oxford, MA designs the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, and carves the over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins you see on the Wetlands Trail. They keep carving and enhancing the displays throughout the life of the show. The carvers expect to go through about 20,000 pumpkins during the course of the 32-night run. The price for entry this year was: Friday, Saturday & Sunday Adult $21, child $18 (ages 2-12) Monday - Thursday Adult $18, child $15 (ages 2-12) read more

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Always an excellent way to spend the evening!! Staff are amazing, friendly and overall fantastic people!! Love that you can buy tickets ahead of time and have a timed entry. The staff do a great job at helping people park.. I love getting a pumpkin beer and strolling through the woods with all the pumpkins and music. This is a highlight of my spooky festive activities!! I will say that the zoo should consider a different food truck at the end - the kids (4 of them) running the food truck we're rude to everyone, messy, and did nothing to answer people's questions (they only had powdered sugar, no cinnamon or any other condiments). It was $8 for a fried dough and they were reluctant to give me my change (and others!). The truck was a disastrous hot mess - skip it. read more

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What. A. Mess! 9:30 entry ticket - actually entered at 11:10. Yes, it was a 1 hr, 40 min wait. Way, way, WAY oversold!! Once we got in, you shuffle through shoulder-to-shoulder. You can't see. And, the "pumpkins" are styrofoam and the intricate ones are mostly painted vs. carved. Not worth the wait. read more

TRULY AMAZING EXPERIENCE! A Marvel to behold and see all those expertly carved pumpkins on display. Hundreds of perfectly lite carved Jack-o-lanterns hanging from trees, shrubs, on Rocks and perfectly displayed for maximum visitors pleasure. This evening was so busy with spectators on this Full Moon evening. I anticipated it would be the best time to walk in and around pathways and be visually entertained! I was right...... it was the perfect night and witness this pumpkin spectacular. Glad to return for another Fall Year of outdoor activity that satisfied all my senses. Lots and lots of Family's with little children that lite all their faces. This yearly event truly brings all family's together for a night of wonder. The staff from parking to tickets to guides and vendors we're as nice and helpful they could possibly be. I will cherish my photos and recall how much fun and joy it brought me. If you have never walked thru the Zoo for this event and look real hard, you can see Elephants walking around the backdrop of these pumpkins along with a few Giraffes walking around. But mostly the public zoned in on all those displays of carved works of Art. read more

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A must do attraction in RI. Every year the displays get better and better. I love that the pumpkins get recycled into food for the animals at the zoo. Beer, drinks and limited snacks available. Free parking. read more

Yelp Elites were given a "sneak peak" and there is also the video on Facebook. This year is AMAZING!!!!!! I am so honored to get to enjoy looking at these pumpkins that the farmers have harvested. A huge thank you to them!! The sizes are so vast, it's incredible what the artists have done with them!! read more

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - So creative! - Festivals Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Very expensive for a family of four- 70 plus dollars and that's with the mbrship "discount" . Prices for snacks and drinks were beyond outrageous and stale 6 dollar pretzel which was very gross: We went on a Wednesday thinking it would be less ppl, we were very wrong. No crowd control at all! We were jam packed with people , often getting separated, bc ppl kept pushing their way through. We were unable to move walk freely very hard to walk w stroller - ppl walking in diff directions- stopping for long periods of time in front of you , blocking views to take pics etc. it was extremely overwhelming, over crowded, and over stimulating: music was obnoxiously loud and no real smooth transition - at certain points you are listening to two different songs at the same time and both very loud. It was very disappointing. With so much unease of the environment it was hard to really take in all the art. Within five mins we were all ready to get out and felt trapped in a maze . It could be better if they actually cared about limiting crowds / had ppl helping navigate and keep crowds moving , and it would be great if they had some warming booths along the way. Very cold and dark . Then it was a nightmare getting out of the park itself. Save your money and just look at pictures of it . Being there is very overhyped and overwhelming! read more

Absolutely love this event!!! It is my favorite event of the year in RI and each year it gets better and better. Visit their website and reserve tickets in advance. Tickets are reserved in hour time slots and you must arrive within the hour of your reservation. If going on a TH,F,Sat, or Sun night plan to wait In traffic going into the park. They may direct you to go the long way around the park but usually you can park within the zoo's parking and not have to park and walk up. Once you enter the park grab a pumpkin beer or a treat and enjoy all that it has to offer. It is on the pricier side but I highly suggest making the investment. This family fun event is well worth it! read more

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The Roger Williams Park Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is the perfect way to kick off the spookiest time of the year in Rhode Island! Not only is it a treat for the eyes - I mean, how can you beat 5,000 professionally carved pumpkins?! - but it's also super memorable and a fun walk-through experience that's suitable for all ages. True confession time! I am a TOTAL scaredy-cat, and haunted houses are not at all my idea of a good time. However, I simply ADORE Halloween, and hate that there's limited options for fun evening activities to celebrate this that don't involve costumed characters popping out at you with chain saws. Enter the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, which was a wonderful blend of eerie atmosphere (the fog, dark paths, and themed music), and gorgeous artistic excellence of the pumpkins, and you have an event that's totally appropriate for those that want to get their October on without scaring their pants off! We attended the first night that it was open for the 2019 season, and even though it was rainy, we still had a great time. Upon reading other reviews, it seems like this attraction can get super crowded as All Hallow's Eve nears. Do like we did, and go on a dark and stormy night! This will totally enhance the experience, as it will be less likely that you'll have to battle crowds to see these decorated gourds! Just don't forget your umbrella! I can't believe that in all my years of living in Rhode Island, I never got a chance to visit the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This may have been my first year coming to this ghoulish gathering, but it certainly won't be my last! read more

Really fun. So many pumpkins to see. Good music. Not overly crowded. Absolutely amazing carving and painting on the jack-o-lanterns. read more

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My first experience of a spooktacular...it was set up on the perimeter trail of the zoo. They did a nice job of marking the trails and we went at the perfect time, right when they opened-dusk. There were thousands of jack O lanterns. Hanging in trees, along fences, and on posts. Some were so detailed some looked like they were carved in your home. They had some separated into seasons-see pictures attached It was a nice fall evening and a cute picture was available for a fee as well read more

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RWP really went above and beyond this year! This was one of the best, if not the best, JOLS that I can remember. It was so nice to be able to walk around and take your time looking at the amazing art that the carvers have created. I did the drive thru one last year and while it was nice to be able to get out there and experience it, it just wasn't the same as the walking experience. I'd say it took about half an hour to 45 min to walk around it. I really liked how they separated it by decade and progressed through the years. I included some pictures of my favorite pumpkins (Prince and MJ prob top 2) and a couple other displays I enjoyed. The colors throughout were awesome and most of the time you felt like you were surrounded by jack o lanterns! It wasn't overly crowded and you could get right in front of every jack o lantern right away or with a very short wait of one or two people in front of it. Yelp took some elites out to the event for media night but it was so good I will definitely be going back with my gf and friends before it's over! read more

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They did a pretty good job this year. I used to go every year but it has been awhile since I have had the chance to go. The premier parking was worth it and we parked right near the entrance. There was no line to park at 8pm on Halloween. My friend was not happy that they do not put up a sign or cross it off when they are out of something at the concession stand so you may end up waiting in a long line for something they do not have. Overall, the event was well done and we had a good time. read more

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So disappointed. I've been in past years and was satisfied each time. This year it seems nobody put any thought or WORK into this. The entire first 500 yds are nothing but cheap plastic party city skeletons and orange and purple Christmas lights. There were less than half of the "artistic" pumpkins and less actual jackolanterns than ever. The theme, trivia was a sad try to make it work however different songs and music overlapping was distracting and annoying. There were more sponsor signs than actual attractions. I've been 11 times and I'm done if this is there direction they choose to go. For people with 2-6 year oldest might get their money's worth. Adults, SAVE YOUR MONEY ITS NOT WORTH T HE MONEY OR YOUR TIME. A pathetic attempt at "spectacular" this year. read more

Haven't attended this event in almost 10 years and we decided it was time for a visit. Glad we did. Went last night (Monday) and arrived at the parking lot at 5:15 pm (that's my tip: go on Monday or Tuesday, arrive early to get good free parking and wait for trail to open at 6:00 pm). The place was busy but the crowd manageable and surprisingly relaxed. Plenty of room to get up close to the displays and take pics. Event staff very friendly and helpful. Now for the spectacular which is well named. There were not only pumpkins but other spooky displays, lights, fog, snow, music. There were comic book areas, Four Seasons display, conservation display and of course the in memoriam at the end. I've included pics below but you should visit for yourself. The use of lights and special effects really enhance the artistry of the pumpkins. read more

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Very expensive, I mean $6 for a hot cocoa expensive. The pumpkin display was impressive and they did a good job with organizing the crowds this year however they were playing music that just didn't go with the Halloween theme at all... kind of ruined it for me. read more

I was here on a trip, so I'm not from the area. My mom and I were looking for some places to visit and we were recommended to try the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger William's Zoo. We went on a week day (the price is $15 on weekdays) and it was still INCREDIBLY crowded(I can only imagine how bad Satudays and Sundays are). We also went on a "themed night" so there were characters dressed up as Harry Potter and other wizards. To be honest, I thought the first part of the event was very children-oriented, but once we got to the pumpkin carvings, it was great. There are so many wonderfully carved pumpkins. Also, there are plenty of yummy snacks and drinks to by if you are feeling peckish during the night! read more

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Get tickets for when they open and come 20-30 min. early so you get a parking spot! We took our time getting concession stand food ($7 sausages/hot dogs and $10-14 beer/Pinot Grigio) and bathroom runs. By the time we were ready, the sun was finally going down making it the perfect time to walk through the park. No flash photography so don't be that jerk. Took off a star because one of the concession stand's grills caught fire and the staff was absolutely clueless on what to do. Weren't they taught fire safety? Also, where were the fire extinguishers?! read more

WOW, This year's show (2021) was by far the most Spectacular yet. They definitely planned and used the space wisely. The trail to get to the main pumpkin area was bigger and more packed than ever. Everywhere you turned they had some sort of scene or spooky vignette. Because they do timed ticketing and have a max on how many people are on the trail at once, there was never a moment where I felt rushed or that it was too crowded. It was amazing to see how much work and thought went into this years spectacular and I am looking forward to what they come up with for next year. I highly recommend visiting this, this year as it definitely was the best one yet! read more

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You already know you're going to see some amazing Jack-O-Lanterns so here's some additional information for you to know. They have all types of tasty treats to enjoy just beyond the ticket gates, that include alcoholic beverages like Pumpkin Sam Adams and Angry Orchard cider, you can get either of those with a sugar and cinnamon rim, which was delicious, or enjoy other options like wine, hot apple cider, or hot chocolate. If you are looking for a sweet treat to enjoy, they have warm cinnamon sugar donuts, sweet roasted cashews, kettle corn, brownies, and candy apples to choose from. All of the vendors inside accept credit cards which can come in handy if you didn't bring enough cash with you. However, my son always holds out for the fried dough that's just outside the zoo, in the parking lot, and that vendor only accepts cash. Once you are inside, the entrance to the trail is behind the food area, here they take your photo in front of a green screen and put a beautiful "Jack O Lantern" background behind you. They hand you a numbered ticket so you can view or buy this photo at the end of the pumpkin trail. Much like Waterfire, this annual event is something that every New Englander should see at least once. There is something absolutely magical about this experience. There are thousands of carved, painted, and etched pumpkins lining the trail, you have to wonder how many hours it takes to put this together. Anyone that's carved a pumpkin knows how time consuming this process can be - there's a true artistry and skill required to pull this off so beautifully. There's something for everyone here and each year they curate a new theme or design, and they pair the themed pumpkins up with props and music that match. Each year they add more elements to keep things fresh and new - this year it was the addition of twinkle lights and pumpkins over the water and a zip line experience providing a different view of the Jack-O-Lantern spectacular. The crowds and parking can be cumbersome to navigate - especially on the weekends - so be sure to buy your tickets online ahead of time and consider going either early or late to avoid the largest crowds. Pro Tips: They have a premium parking area for an additional $10. If convenience is your thing, this is money well spent. If you have a handicapped placard, you can park in the premium lot for free. Taking photos of this experience can be tricky and the event staff recommends that you turn your flash off for the best results. If you are going with kids or in a large group and want to keep track of everyone easily, stop at the dollar store before coming and buy some cheap glow-in-the-dark necklaces in the same color so you can easily keep track of the folks you are responsible for. They also sell a variety of light up wands, swords, and necklaces at the event but you will pay a premium for them only to spend the entire time reminding your kid to be careful not to hit others only to have it break on your way back to the car (I'm speaking from experience here) If you or anyone in your group has mobility concerns, carry a small flashlight to help you navigate the trail easier. The path is very uneven and it's really dark. If you shine this light down by your feet, or attach it to a walker or cane, it won't distract others and you will have an easier time transitioning between the dirt, gravel, pavement, and wood beams (on the bridge) you will be walking over. read more

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Simply Amazing! Thousands of Jack-O-Lanterns. As you walk through the designed pathway you are Oooohhed, aaaahhhhhh and wowed. Just when you think you have seen the most amazing carvings; the next set blows you away. The carvings are out of this world. We brought our 8 year old grandson and he loved his time there. We went to the 6:00 showing and lucky we did because when we finished the line was very long. The Spectacular is truly spectacular! This is my second time visiting and it was definitely a different experience. I can't wait until next year. Great family fun. read more

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I kicked off my favorite month with a visit to this gorgeous display. The artists and carvers did an absolutely gorgeous job. The entire spectacular is filled with decorations and beautifully carved pumpkins as well as those that are hand drawn pieces of art. Grab a beer or hot chocolate on your way in and stroll through this festive event. Make sure you have night mode on your camera to get some good shots. Flash photography isn't allowed in the park to avoid scaring the animals. There are various themes as you walk through the park, each with pumpkins, music and decorations to fit the vibe. If you are a Halloween fan, or just a lover of the Fall season, you won't be disappointed. This is one of the best displays I've seen from the Spectacular! read more

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We liked it! Parking took a while. The walk along the dirt path is about an hour long. Saw plenty of kids in strollers and wagons, and elders in wheelchairs. Snacks for sale are amusement park type. It's pretty crowded, but no jostling -- everyone is strolling, taking photos, polite. Big smiles for the the Abbey Road exhibit, Venus fly trap, and the goofier pumpkins. Music accompaniment, television history theme. The staff said there were 5,000+ pumpkins! read more

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - Festivals Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Parking can be challenging depending on when you're scheduled to arrive. Personally, I arrived at 6:30pm on a Saturday night for my 7pm entry and hand no issues parking or waiting in line. I usually attend JOLS annually and plan it around the Waterfire full lighting weekends. This year was another pleasant and enjoyable experience. Compared to other jack-o-lantern events I've been to in New York and New Jersey, I love how the Rhode Island trail is: 1. Outside. Walking a physical trail makes the experience feel more immersive. 2. At the zoo. There is a chance you can get a peak at some of the animals that are still awake. The kids got to see an elephant and absolutely loved it. 3. The pumpkins are vertically placed. They're in the trees and above passage ways which make the experience that more enjoyable. Vendors are available if you want to purchase drinks, snacks, or lightup toys for the kids. 4 stars because I know how packed it can be. That wasn't my experience this time but has been in the past. Perhaps better parking control or crowd control can help. Overall I'll still come back to what has become a family tradition of seeing JOLS. read more

Well the Jack-O- Lantern Spectacular was a great experience overall........ The staff were super nice.........The pumpkin beer tasted good......... The night we went was raining but it was still a fun event......The pumpkin designs were really Spectacular......The themes were amazing...... It's $15.00 to get in and beer costs $8.00-$9.00. There was apple covered in chocolate and caramel that ranged from $5.50-$11.00........ Again the staff was super sweet and there was someone available for questions from beginning to end......... read more

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Absolutely never go to this the week before Halloween. It took us over an hour just to get through Roger Williams Park and into the parking lot for the zoo. The entire experience was spent waiting in a line to walk through. It wasn't enjoyable because you could barely see anything through the people. I thought they sold only a select number of tickets per time slot to prevent this problem, but that clearly wasn't the case. Definitely, if you're going to go to this, consider going at the beginning of October and nowhere near Halloween. The pumpkins, however, were gorgeous. read more

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Such a beautiful display, love the music transitions and the swan boats. Thanks to the sponsors for a great family event. read more

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